Kate the Hater: Running

If you are crazy about running you may want to stop reading this blog right here.

If you are super excited to get a run in just to update the world on Facebook or Twitter about your commitment to fitness, you definitely want to stop reading this blog right now.

I have really tried to like running, for a really long time. I have always wanted the long lean body I thought running would give me if I just committed some breathless gasping moments to putting one foot in front of the other at a heightened pace while jamming to my iPod way too loud. Alas, I am coming to the conclusion that it is just not for me. As much as I loved sports and embraced being an athlete early in life, I would always try to find reasons to skip running at my rugby, soccer and tennis practices. I’m not even sure that I was ever ashamed of my laziness; I don’t think I ever really tried to hide it. It was a little different at hockey, because let’s face it skating is awesome.

This is half a new revelation, half an old embarrassing admission I have been harboring for a while. Not so long ago I was in a phase where I thought life would not complete until I crossed running at least a half marathon off my bucket list, I even wrote a blog about it (if you want you can search it out). But, as I turn nearly twenty-four and a half I am completely fine with my lack of ambition to pant in public while looking as unattractive as possible. I have even lost a little luster to chase after people who have the rubber toy I want in this very docile stage of life I am in. Life used to be a battle of chase or be chased, score and stop them from scoring;  but right now I am content to just being warm and not overly hungry (because let’s face it, I am always a little hungry)*.

Now, if you nay-sayers are still reading 1. I told you to stop and 2. I get your to each their own nonsense. I have no problem with people who love running. It is some people’s hockey or soccer or rugby. It is your jam and enjoy it, I doubt any of you will stop your pass time just because of this little ole blog and I would hate to contribute to our general lack of fitness as adults.

Nothing made me happier than a vent tweet about this and getting an instant response from my sister who feels the same way about running that I do. I don’t consider 5k a real run (that is why I am so uppity about this, it is in response to way too many people sharing their minor achievements over social media all the time) and ‘Run or Dye’ is actually one of the few runs I would ever take part in (I like bright colors).  To be honest, ‘Run or Dye’ is the only run that doesn't involve Disney that I would ever consider doing.

Anyways, in conclusion the point I have been scrambling to make here is that I really don’t care if you can run 5k. Like every human being who hasn't run a marathon (or maybe even the ones who have) I will be astonished and marvel at your athleticism if you run anything over 10k, because that will just never happen for me.

I am now going to eat some candy and complete my soft, sloth mood today.

*Reading this back I am realizing I have turned pretty soft, even though I have never been thinner or happier (ever). 

My Minor Addiction to McDonald's Monopoly Explained

Monopoly is back at McDonald's and I have found myself there pretty much everyday since it launched. 

We have our team boards posted up here at the office, everyone's contributing to the team effort (some more than others). When I worked on the front line in high school we would secretly save all the extra tokens and collect them... just in case. Not that we could win legally as a group of employees. 

What can I say, I am a little obsessed with McDonald's Monopoly. Have you ever won? Does McD's Monopoly give you the same thrill I get when it starts up? Also, I love the double thrill of it being coupon season at McDonald's and Monopoly... I am so lame. 

Let me know if you have any trades you'd like to make ;)

Kate Loves Call Ins

I love when people call me during my show. 

It really does not happen often enough.

That is one of the beautiful things about being on the morning show, people call in and you get to give them amazing prizes to thank them for listening. 

Here are my two favourite winners this week. 

Oh and the number is 1-877-560-1010 just in case you forgot!

A Taste of Nelson

I am not sure there could be a better way to spend my three year anniversary with my lovely boyfriend than at 'A Taste of Nelson' last night. We spent the night with Save On Foods Kyle (sorry Kyle, I didn't get your last name), 1035 The Bridge Morning Grind host Sarah Hyde, Mountain FM Afternoon Drive Host Jenny Fines, Vista Radio Account Executive Matheson Kincaid and my amazing boss Kevin Einarson (thanks again for hooking us up with a table). Yes, that is Jenny Fines photo-bombing my cupcake pic. 

We had so much fun, there was a ton of great food and drinks donated from around Nelson. Here is a list of all of the vendors that came out and filled our bellies with amazing dishes:

-All Season's Cafe

-Bibo

-Nelson Brewing Co.

-rel-ish

-Itza

-Kootenay Bakery Cafe

-Leo's Pizza & Greek Taverna

-Lucky Cupcakes

-Max & Irma's

-Main Street Diner

-Skimmerhorn Winery 

-Ric's Grill

-Sage Tapas & Wine Bar

-Dock'n Duck 

-Cantina del Centro

-Outer Clove

-Queen City Crisps

'A Taste of Nelson' was not only a way to switch out my normal boring supper, it was for a great cause, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. 

Favourites? Okay, you got me. Of course I have a favourite. I loved Ric's 'Chicken Lolly Pop' and Max & Irma's 'Sausage Polenta Crostini'. Everything was truly amazing. There were also outstanding items at the auction tables and an impressive amount of prizes. My boyfriend even won a gift certificate to rel-ish! 

All I can say about 'A Taste of Nelson' is that I can't wait to take part again next year! Thank you to all of the amazing volunteers who made this amazing event possible! 

Sweets, Sweets and More Sweets

I am sure you have heard that Tim Horton’s Smile Cookies are out in full force again this year. One of the perks about working in radio is the vast amount of food that arrives in the office the second a charity item is up for grabs… like the smile cookies.

Also, the Pastry Shop in Trail not only makes the best buns in town they make amazing doughnuts too.

My co-workers are trying to get me fat. Seriously, all this amazing food needs to stop finding a home in the Mountain FM break room.

Jenny Fine’s was blown away by the treats from the Pastry Shop in trail.

Hal Johnson Talks Body Break and Amazing Race Canada on Morning Rocks

I have been having so much fun filling in for Darren McPeake on ‘Morning Rocks’ over the last week and a bit. I have loved my time so far, apart from the incredibly early mornings. Seriously, not I’m sure I could handle 3:30am mornings as part of my daily grind. Clearly, John Helm is a pro morning show host. I am still getting used to not lone-wolfing my shows. We have had some pretty incredible interviews in the last week. Boy George, Mark Vedo and the latest was Canadian Fitness Icon Hal Johnson.

If you have spent anytime watching Canadian TV you know exactly who Hal Johnson is, personally I feel like I have grown up with Hal Johnson and Joanne McLeod. Their ‘Body Break’ segments were a huge part of my childhood and definitely encouraged me to ‘keep fit and have fun’. Hal and Joanne recently took part in the first season of ‘Amazing Race Canada’ and were fan favourites from the beginning.

Here is our conversation with Hal Johnson, as you can tell we were pretty excited about it.

Kate's Reading Challenge Book 9: 'Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (and Other Concerns)’ by Mindy Kaling

One of my goals I set for myself on my twenty-fourth birthday was reading a book a week.  I am a little behind, moving twice and finishing school put a damper on my plan. To help motivate myself to finish books on time every week my new plan is to share my latest read with you on my blog. I w
ill read anything and everything and I would love your suggestions, feel free to email them to me at kate@mountainfm.net.

Book 9: 'Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (and Other Concerns)’ by Mindy Kaling

I loved this book, as someone working in the entertainment industry I found a lot of her stories very fitting in my own life. I have often wondered the same thing, is everyone hanging out without me? Kaling is brilliant, I recommend listening to this book rather than reading it because she does a stellar job bringing it to life (as she should, it is her memoir and all). Just the sound of Kaling’s voice makes everything more livelily, I think this book is on par with Tina Fey’s ‘Bossypants’, it is honest and heartfelt and explores all the elements of Kaling’s life that has led to her continued success after 'Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (and Other Concerns)’ was published.

I really enjoyed this book; it really does hit the highs and lows of being a working woman that tries to make people laugh for a living. I love the stories from the Office and Kaling’s awkwardness in life and her career. I really relate to her stories about saying the wrong things, at the wrong time.

This is a great light read, perfect to listen to on a road trip if you are so inclined!

Yay, Mindy!

Andy Samberg Marriage Rumours

Just when I couldn't get more annoyed by Joanna Newsom, okay I realize that my beef with her is as old as her song ‘Peach Plum Pear’ (which is pretty old, not something new) she potentially is going to do something that will make me (and many other girls around the world) hate her even more.  Reports say Joanna Newsom and Andy Samberg will wed this weekend. One of Samberg's new co-stars on 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine', Terry Crews leaked the news today.

You most likely know Andy Samberg from his acting career, he was one of the stars of Saturday Night Live for seven seasons and has stared in many films like ‘That’s My Boy’ and ‘Hotel Transylvania’ with Adam Sandberg and ‘Hot Rod’.  Andy Samberg is also one of the member of the musical comedy group the Lonely Island.

To each their own, but this hurts my soul.

 ‘Peach Plum Pear’ was one of my high school best friends favourite songs for a long time. I was one of the only people who had my own car, so I was forced to listen to it a lot, hence the resentment of this specific song.

So, as I listen to ‘Peach Plum Pear’ for the first time in years I am envisioning their long romantic car rides and how painful this scene from ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ would be with Joanna Newsom in real life.

Yes, I am a jerk. I will be quite sad if Mr.Samberg goes off the market this weekend. 

#TuneTuesday: September 17, 2013

Unfortunately we will never share #MusicMonday because I work Tuesday to Saturday. So I will be hooking you up with my favorite music cuts on what I am calling #TuneTuesday. I would love it if you called it that too, lets make it a thing)

This week, unfortunately I am not raving about a Canadian video. Arcade Fire is still blowing my mind from last week’s post. This week we are meshing some pretty gritty Brit-rock from the Arctic Monkeys and a song that will make anyone with a heartbeat dance.

**Beware; this video contains some censored adult content.

1.    1. ‘Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?’ –Arctic Monkeys

Have you ever gone out for the night hoping to see one person only to find out they are staying in and not willing to give you the attention you think you deserve? Yup, that is what this song and video are about. Lead singer and lyricist Alex Turner’s voice is stunning, full of longing and messy desire. This video is not a new release (I think it came out in August), but the song is catching on right now with the release of ‘AM’ the Arctic Monkey’s latest album. The beginning of the video features the perfect musical preface the Arctic Monkey’s ‘Do I Wanna Know?’ and melts… it is the perfect 12am song turning into the 3am result song.

Seriously, buy this album. Watch these videos. Get into the Arctic Monkeys if you aren’t already.

2    2. ‘Lose Yourself to Dance’ – Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams

Just dance. Do it. The video is cool, I loved that they teased it at the MTV VMA’s but is not really necessary. You can sit around watching a bunch of people or groove or you can just let your body respond naturally and dance.

Winners From The Rock Creek and Boundary Fall Fair's Jelly Bean Contest

Community events are one of the greatest parts of my job. I love getting to take part in the events and

helping build social klout for some of the fun elements of life in our little corner of the world.

I like to talk about things that are going on across the Kootenays on my show and not just in a specific region (ex. I talk about Castlegar events on my Grand Forks show and Grand Forks events on my live show). We are one big network of cities, towns and communities working together to be the best place to live possible, so I think it is integral that we take part in other communities events and show our support for the incredible amount of work it takes to make these events possible.

Getting to the point, I had a great call from Michele Caskey yesterday about a very special annual part of the Rock Creek and Boundary Fall Fair last weekend (September 14 and 15, 2013), she gave me a call to let me know that over 300 people had entered the B.C. Lung Association’s contest at the fair. Contestant’s guests how many jelly beans were in the jar (pictured) and guesses ranged from 112 to 1,000,000. The correct answer was 1,003 jelly beans. There were two winners who guessed the correct amount of jelly beans in the jar, Lynzee Davies of Whistler, B.C. and Rhys Prudence of Oliver, B.C. An independent person conducted a draw as the tie breaker and 6 year old Rhys was the big winner of all 1,003 jelly beans! I have been told that Lynzee will receive a gift from the Boundary too. 

A pretty cute story and a nice reminder than when we host events here in the Kootenays we get visitors from across the province.  

Kate's Reading Challenge Book 8: 'I Can Barely Take Care of Myself: Tales from a Happy Life Without Children' by Jen Kirkman

OOne of my goals I set for myself on my twenty-fourth birthday was reading a book a week.  I am a little behind, moving twice and finishing school put a damper on my plan. To help motivate myself to finish books on time every week my new plan is to share my latest read with you on my blog. I will read anything and everything and I would love your suggestions, feel free to email them to me at kate@mountainfm.net.

Book 8:  'I Can Barely Take Care of Myself: Tales from a Happy Life without Children" by Jen Kirkman 

I did not finish this week’s book review; I will not make this a habit. I was pretty bored with the book in general, which I guess I should have realized by the title. At a solid 400 page plus book on my e-reader all about not wanting to have kids and not wanting to be judged because of it. I am not huge on the idea of having kids, in fact right now at twenty-four I am pretty dead set on not having them; but I don’t feel the need to write an entire book about it.

I know this book is a bit of a bio of Jen Kirkman, but it really feels like it is loosely strung together by the fact that she does not want to have kids. I think with all the other books written by funny gals on the market these days this book just does not hold up. It does have its fun moments, moments that will make you laugh… but I am not sure they mesh well with the theme of the book and I really don’t think they are worth the pages it takes just for Kirkman to say that she does not want to have kids.

FYI, I still don't want kids. But, I'm not going to write a book about it. 

TGIF

Long day? 

Me too, grab your favourite beverage (I have a Red Bull in hand) and do this with me! 

Breaking Bad: The Middle School Musical

Another day, another great Breaking Bad post. I stumbled upon this one this morning while getting ready for my show.

These kids just want to make candy in the desert. I am still getting into Breaking Bad, I am in season two and I loved this video. I am not sure how responsible it is to let kids learn about what is going on in Breaking Bad, but it sounds like they learned at least a little about chemistry!



Continuing with the Breaking Bad here are some infographics that may help you understand this (Mom).

Also, Bryan Cranston used to be on Power Ranges... just amazing!

Great Jimmy Fallon Moments this Week The 'Evolution of End Zone Dancing' and 'Joking Bad'

I feel a little behind on this, but Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon's 'Evolution of End Zone Dancing' is my new favourite thing right now. They cover all the bases, even poking fun at Timberlake's NSYNC days. You have got to check it out.

Clearly the "Butt Wax On Wax Off" is my favourite. Jimmy Fallon is so cute, he is like America's puppy dog.


While you are at it, you might as well check out 'Joking Bad'. A pretty great rip on 'Breaking Bad' worth the near 13 minutes. I am just getting into Breaking Bad and I love it. There have been great breaking bad promotional bits released all week, like Walter Jr's Instagram feed, 'Joking Bad' is pretty great too.

The New iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s, For a Second I Thought This Was A Game Changer

Last blog about needing a new cell phone, I promise. Next time I blog about cell phones I will have a new phone and be completely smitten with it.

For the last 24 hours (give or take a few) I have been sold on getting an iPhone 5c. I love color, I hated picking between black and white for my 4s (because they both kind of suck). I immediately tried the sexiest colorful case possible that would actually protect my phone. My sister and cousin had gone with the playful cases that look awesome but do nothing to protect glass phones and had shattered their iPhones as a result.

At first I was excited, color options! But, now after seeing the following and reading the iPhone 5c specs I am not that impressed and continuing my hunt for the perfect phone with my options open once again. I am open to the 5s; I have a strange love for the gold iPhone 5s.

I am not going to lie; I really am not impressed by the stigma that has been created by the media saying the 5c iPhones are “inexpensive” or “cheap”. They still are bloody expensive! If I am ponying up the big bucks for a phone I want to have the best and I am not sure I can justify spending so much on the 5c when I can have the 5s.

We will see… I may still end up with a Blackberry. 

Here are some great iPhone 5c photos comparing the new phone colors to random things. Clearly the Power Rangers are my favourite. 

When I Have a Bad Day

I am having a bad day.

My bad days rarely come around. Usually when they strike it starts first thing in the morning and is constant stream of crappy happenings until bedtime. Today is one of those days.

Normally, I have very strict rules for my bad days.

1. Shut up about your bad day. Nobody wants to hear about it. Don’t tweet or blog about it, seriously there are bigger problems than whatever is going on with your lame excuse for a bad day. Give it up and get over it. You better not make a Facebook post about it, you whimp.
2. Don’t eat everything in sight. Tomorrow your bad day will be over and you’ll fee like crap if you eat whatever. The only thing worse than your bad day today is being bloated and nasty (mean) because you ate crappy food all day yesterday because you were having a bad day. Give it up, show a little self control and eat a salad and a burger. Have an iced coffee and maybe a piece of dark chocolate dipped in almond butter, you will feel better.
3. If you watch Sons of Anarchy, Breaking Bad or any TV show or movie that deals with crime and bad-assedness you will start a hard as ---- complex in your mind and it will make you want to smoke (gross). Sit and look at pictures of puppies, YouTube videos of people falling or watch Katherine Hiegl movies--- you are soft and malleable (like a teddy bear). Do not forget this or you will start acting like a thug and people will be intimidated by you for the wrong reasons. You are a nice girl, who has never gotten in a real fight and orange would not look good on you.
4. No one should know you are having a bad day. You have not mentioned, so how could they know? 

I’m not crazy. I just polished off the first season of ‘Orange is the New Black’ and I am really into ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Sons of Anarchy’ starts up again tonight. Combine all these bad ass TV shows and a Kate Bruce bad mood and you’ve got a wicked complex. I remember watching the movie ‘Thirteen’ when I was sixteen and having a bad day and having the worst complex afterwards.

Clearly, I have broken all of those rules today... 

So until its quitting time I am spending my time focusing on these things:

And most of all:

Because not only am I having an Eeyore like day, I am super super lame. 

#TuneTuesday: September 10, 2013

Unfortunately we will never share #MusicMonday because I work Tuesday to Saturday. So I will be hooking you up with my favorite music cuts on what I am calling #TuneTuesday. I would love it if you called it that too, let’s make it a thing).

I am going to always try to pick one break out hit, a big band that everyone has heard from before and then another song I love from a Canadian band that I think deserves a shout out and attention for their incredible work. This week my selection covers both bases.

My choice for this week’s #TuneTuesday is a big one and yes I have just picked one video this week. I was going to throw in Miley Cyrus’s ‘Wrecking Ball’ for good measure, it is a pretty decent song but I just can’t be another share on that horrific video.

So, the only video I think you should trouble yourself with watching is Arcade Fire’s ‘Reflektor’. Okay, there are technically two videos; don't worry I have got you covered with both of them. Seriously, it is seven minutes and forty-one seconds, it is all you need this I know, not very original. I love the song; I heard it a few days ago when it leaked online, it is incredibly catchy and rumor has it the one and only David Bowie voice is in there around the 5 minute mark. I truly hope it is his voice, it sounds pretty similar (update: David Bowie confirmed he is featured on the track). The song is super Canadian, the main lyrics are in English but there are some French supporting vocals from the angelic voice of Régine Chassagne. You can definitely hear the influence from album producer and LCD Soundsystem front man James Murphy on the track too.

I’m not even going to pretend that I know what is going on in this music video. Seriously, it is pretty trippy. It continues the ‘9’ theme that Arcade Fire had been going with promoting the new album so far. Yesterday (September 9th), the ‘Reflektor’ video was released and there was a semi-secret surprise concert for 100 lucky fans dressed in formal attire or a costume in Montreal (it started at 9pm).

Back to the video, I would love to have the Reflektor man’s mirror suit. It is pretty cool. I may not be sure what it all means, but that is what I like about the video. Arcade Fire has not dumbed-down the pretentiousness for little ole me. The video is a weird combination of elements, reminders of Stephen King’s ‘Under the Dome’ and the black and white beauty of a war-time movie. Regardless, I am sure the next video will pick up where ‘Reflektor’ left off and Arcade Fire will continue to blow my mind (and I may start to understand the madness).

If you are not a fan of Arcade Fire's take on their own song you can make your own version of 'Reflektor' by clicking here for the second 'Reflektor' video. https://www.justareflektor.com/

I am really excited for Arcade Fire’s performances a little later this month on Saturday Night Live, they will be the musical act when Tina fey hosts on September 28th.

If you must have a partner for this epic video please take into consideration a song that is the perfect song to listen to after ‘Reflektor’. It is not new, but it is a great song and video. It is The Yeah Yeah Yeahs ‘Heads Will Roll’.

Here it is:

And, if you are in the mode to continue the eerie sounds listen to (and watch)  ‘Heads Will Roll’ by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.